Weekly Update August 12

In the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, the Kingdom of Gondor had been absent of the king's presence for so long that it began to crumble along with any hope of the king's return. In the king's absence, the Kingdom of Gondor was managed by the steward of Gondor, Denethor. When the true king returned, Denethor was unprepared. As the powers of evil encroached on Gondor's doorstep, Denethor had become a narcissistic coward who was out of touch with reality and had mismanaged what remained of Gondor's kingdom. Ultimately Denethor committed suicide because he was unable to recognize the king's return and the sure victory that came along with it.

This fictional story may seem unrelated to our dull lives, but in reality, it is not. Jesus told this parable in Luke 12:42-46: “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful" (NLT).

Parents, we are stewards of something much greater than the fictional Kingdom of Gondor. We are stewards of the Kingdom of God and of our children's hearts, who will give account for everything entrusted to us when our true king, Jesus Christ, returns. Then we will cry with John the Apostle; "behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True...His eyes are like a flame of fire...He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood...He is called the Word of God" (ESV).

You are a steward of Jesus Christ. Are you ready for his return?

This Wednesday at 6pm in the fellowship hall Pastor Brent will teach a volunteer training session on interpreting scripture properly and then crafting it into a lesson. This will prove helpful to anyone who teaches the Bible to either children or adults. It will also be helpful for anyone who desires to understand the Word of God clearly, and then be able to communicate it to others in conversation. I look forward to seeing you there!!!
This week at Sunday School we will be taking a look at Acts 24-26. The story of Paul’s time in Caesarea while imprisoned seems long, drawn out, and hopeless. Despite this, Paul was full of hope and continued proclaiming the gospel. As he stood before King Agrippa, Queen Bernice, military commanders, and prominent men of the city, Paul explained how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled all of Israel's hopes. Given an opportunity to defend his freedom before these great men of power, Paul chose to proclaim the gospel instead. King Agrippa asked Paul if he really thought he could convert him, and Paul’s response was that he wanted everyone present to experience the gift of salvation. It is amazing how Paul never seemed to waver in proclaiming the gospel despite difficult circumstances because he believed Jesus to be worthy and faithful!

There is no Refuge Hangout this Sunday Night since we are having a covered dish dinner at 6pm in the fellowship hall to celebrate the newly ordained deacons along with their deacon mentors.

May the Lord bless and keep you and your family this week

Matt Tucker out!!!